AMT

Alpha, alpha-meth, Alpha-methyltryptamine, freebase, Indopan

What is AMT?

Alpha-methyltryptamine (aMT/AMT) is a long acting synthetic hallucinogen with stimulant properties.

It usually comes as an off white or yellowish/orange powder which can be either clumpy or fine. It is also found in tablet form.

Methods of use

AMT is often consumed orally, either by swallowing tablets, wrapping powder in a cigarette paper (bombing) or by taking a small bit of powder from the tip of a moistened finger (dabbing). The powder can be smoked, leading to a faster onset of effects.

Effects and risks 

Users of AMT feel more energetic and positive, with an increased sense of empathy towards those around them. Users report experiencing visual patterning, hallucinations and an increased appreciation of music.

Unpleasant physical side effects include an increased heart rate, restlessness, blurred vision, decreased appetite, nausea/vomiting, impaired coordination, head and muscle aches and insomnia.

Mental side effects include anxiety, paranoia, agitation, panic, confusion and repetitive thoughts. Some users report a stimulant-like comedown, with low mood and flu like symptoms, a day or two after use.

AMT has the potential to cause serotonin toxicity, especially at high doses or when mixed with other stimulants. AMT taken in combination with antidepressant/anxiety medications (SSRI/SNRIs) also may bring on this condition.

Serotonin syndrome can be fatal if not recognised and dealt with quickly. Symptoms include hyperthermia (overheating) hyperreflexia (over responsive reflexes), clonus (involuntary muscular contractions and relaxations), hypertension (high blood pressure), dysphoria (mental distress) and mydriasis (dilated pupils). There is also the potential for muscle tissue breakdown (Rhabdomyolysis) which may cause severe kidney damage.

Deaths where AMT is linked have been reported, including a teenager in 2013 and two men in 2015.

Harm reduction

AMT is often slow to work and has a low dose threshold so always start low and slow. Never mix with other stimulants or antidepressant type drugs.

History

The company UpJohn originally developed AMT as an antidepressant in the 1960s. It was sold as a pharmaceutical drug under the name Indopan in the Soviet Union. In the 1990s AMT resurfaced as a drug of recreational use made available over the internet. It was first seen in the UK in February 2011. It is still occasionally used recreationally.

The law

AMT is a class A drug. Penalties for possession are up to seven years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Penalties for supply are up to life in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

AMT was made illegal in the United Kingdom as of 7 January 2015 after the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs recommended that AMT be scheduled as a class A drug. They proposed that the description of the tryptamine family of compounds under the Act is expanded so that newly created drugs are also banned.

Updated January 2022